CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 563, 10 March 1870, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

This Day.

(Before 0. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M., and his

|Worahip the Mayor.) Cattle Tkebpass. — The following cases for infringing the provisions of the Cattle Trespass Ordinance were heard : — H. C. West, one horse at large in Armagh street, fined 5s ; E. Mitchell, one horse at large in High street, fined 5s ; Richard Clark, one calf tethered on a public road, in St Alban's district, fined 63 ; Zebula Leigh, one horse at large on a public thoroughfare in St Albans, fined 58.

Incautious Driving. — Robert Chudley was charged with having driven a trap in Armagh street, without adopting sufficient precaution to guard against accident. It appeared that he bad run over one of Mr Thomas Bruce's children ; but the evidence merely tending to shew that if accused had pulled up smart he might have prevented the accident, the Bench dismissed the case, remarking that, although the police had done very properly in bringing the case before them, they were satisfied the offence was purely accidental.

Assaults. — James Hampten was summoned for having violently assaulted John Robinson, at Ualswell, and also with having abused and threatened him with, further violence. Ihe offence did not appear from the evidence to have been a very serious one, and had originated from a previous quarrel existing between them. Accused admitted, in defence, that he was somewhat under the influence of liquor, and dii not remember much about the matter at all. Blows not having actually been used by accused, and the abuse being the worst of the affair, the case was dismissed on accused undertaking to pay the costs. — Thomas Lawrence was charged on an information laid by the police with having violently assaulted his son, Thomas Lawrence Inspector Pender said the matter had come under the cognizance of the police, and the complainant being unwilling to lay an information, the police had thought it necessary (o bring the case before the Bench themselves.

The complainant, who is about seventeen years of age, said that, on going home a fortnight ago on Saturday evening last, his father complained of his not returning earlier, and beat him with a piece of paling. Mr Mountfort stated that when proceeding down the Ferry Road, he heard heavy blows and groans proceeding from, accused's house, and going with some neighbours to see what was the matter, observed the accused beiting complainant violently with what appeared to bo a heavy stick. After looking through a side window for some time, he went to the door, and was answered by accused, who, in reply to questions, said that it was lucky for bis son that the stick was not heavier. Mr Davis, a neighbour, also gave evidence as to having heard the blows and some sitreanis at his shop, a distance away. He went with last witness to interfere. He had beard accused beating his son on several previous occasi :ns, and must decidedly say that it was very excessive pun'shment. Another neighbour, resident some two chains away from accused's house, stated that whilst in the garden he heard the blows and groans, but they were so heavy that at first he really thought it was a neighbour beating his cow. On remonstrating with accused on his conduct, the latter said if he did not master his son, his son would soon master him, and he would keep him under as long as he possibly could. Accused was also in the habit o£ ill-using a younger son. In defence, accused only pleaded, in extenuation, that complainantVas getting the upper hand of him, and that he thought it only right to inflict punishment to keep him in order. His Worship said the neighbours had done very right in interfering in the case, as many tragedies might have been prevented by such a proceeding. The Bench were aware that the boy had misconducted himself sometime previously, but however he might merit punishment, that which had been inflicted was unquestionably much too severe. The Bench were willing to allow that accused thought he was taking proper steps for keeping his son in order, but when a man lost his temper to such an extent, there w;as no telling what might be the actual result. The boy must therefore be protected, and accused must be bound over in his own recognizances to keep the peace against him for the future. With this provision, and on payment of Court and witnesses' expenses, accused would be dismissed.

Obscene Language. — Mary Jane Streetly, for having used obscene language in Manchester street last night, and having but recently been warned for a similar offence, was fined 20s.

Dhdhkenness. — Michael Keevey, for haviug been drunk and disorderly, was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment.

[Left sitting.]